Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Collin is 5 weeks old and I am smitten. Those darling little checks, those blue eyes that watch me so intently. He is the sweetest baby I could imagine.

It may sound strange, but Shane and I weren't sure how we felt about having a boy. When we first found out I was expecting, it just seemed natural to refer to the baby as a "she". We even had the name picked out. It wasn't that we felt some insight one way or the other, we just wanted a girl. When the ultrasound showed it to be a boy, we weren't disappointed per say, just a little unsure. This feeling stayed with us until he was born.

As I'm sure more experienced parents could guess, we now cannot imagine our home without our little boy. Not much for screaming (thank heavens) his little kitten-like cries pull me immediately from whatever I am doing to comfort him. I listen to Shane on the baby monitor cooing and cuddling Collin, calling him "my little man" and I know Shane is thrilled to have a son. Lydia is completely captivated by Collin, so much that it feels as if half of my life is nursing and the other half is protecting Collin from a big sister who doesn't know what "softly" means.

I am tired. Collin wakes up every hour and a half at night. He sleeps all day...except during Lydia's nap. I think he knows that he is safe from 3 year old fingers during that time. As such, I am not getting much done. Around 4pm, Collin falls asleep and I let Lydia watch a cartoon so that I can make dinner. I get to the housework slowly. I blog for 30 minutes in the evening as a bit of downtime.

Things will get back to normal eventually. Shane and I will be able to have weekly dates again. Nights will become restful someday. My house will return to some semblance of organization and I will see my girlfriends in time. Right now however, I am trying to enjoy this little pocket of time when I am everything to my baby. Too soon, I will miss holding him close to me at night. Someday, very soon, this part will be over. I wished away Lydia's baby days. Of course, they were the most difficult day's of my life. However, I know, so clearly now that those days of pure innocence are so fleeting. The days of lullabies and milky kisses pass by and all I will have left of them will be hazy memories. But for right now, they are my reality, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

I think that as women we too often focus on our faults and failings. A little of that keeps us humble. A lot makes us annoying. Might as well openly brag every once in a while to cleanse the palette. My last post was about how I don't have "a thing". However, one thing that I am pretty good at is taking advantage of an opportunity to enjoy myself.

Today was a good day. Shane took Collin after his 6:30am feeding and I slept in until his next feeding at 9:30. Soon after, Lydia and Shane brought me breakfast in bed. (Shane's thing could definitely be that he is an artist. Or an incredible father. Check out yesterday's masterpieces.) After breakfast, Shane and Lydia went to the store and I leisurely got ready, read, played with the baby. Then I took a 3 hour nap.

With that kind of sleep under my belt, I felt like doing something fun. So I decided to cook. Really cook. I wanted to use everything the farmer's market had to offer. After several hours we sat down to dinner. Mexican Soup and Homemade salsa. That accounted for well over an hour just in dicing vegetables. Oh, did I mention that I made the chicken stock from scratch. Boo Yeah.Dessert was the kicker though. I wanted to use a huge basket of peaches before they were overripe, so I thought I would stew them in sugar and serve them warm over ice cream. Then I had a culinary epiphany. Basil. How delicious if I heated the peaches with fresh basil. I may have come across the most perfect summer dessert ever. I may buy an ice cream maker to make myself some basil infused peach ice cream.

Yeah. I'm freaking awesome.

On a side note - people ask me all the time what kind of camera I use. To be honest, I have a very humble, 4 year old Canon Powershot SD400. I have just practiced with it a lot. I am desperate for a new camera. Something more like this. Maybe then photography could be "my thing".

Friday, June 26, 2009

I mentioned a previous post that I am not really sure what "my thing" is. That thing that people know you for, that in some way defines you. I mentioned in that post that I wouldn't mind if "my thing" was cooking, but really that isn't me.

In college I had a boyfriend who definitely had "a thing." That doesn't sound quite right :) Actually he was known for two things. He was incredibly funny (imagine dating Will Ferrell but cuter) and he was an amazing musician. (guitar and singing.) These two aspects defined him and everyone knew it. One night we were on a date and I asked him what he though my "thing" was. He looked at me intrigued, and then after a moment said "Well, everyone always says you have great hair." Problem was, he really wasn't kidding. That was a low point for me :)

Anyway, since that time I have thought a lot about the things that define us. Maybe the closer you are to someone the harder it is to define them and that is why it is difficult for me to define myself. My best friend Carrie was the athlete of our high school. No question, that was her thing. To me however, that never defined her. It was just a small piece of the person I knew. Probably because I am not athletically inclined --at all-- but I mostly saw her confidence, her wit and her ability to combine popularity with kindness (not an easy feat).

After that post, I got quite a few emails from friends who have an opinion on what "my thing" is. I won't share them since that would be awkward, but it was funny that all my college friends said "my thing" was my humor and that I played guitar and sang. (Hmm. Guess I picked up a few things from that college boyfriend.) My local friends probably don't even know I play the guitar, so that couldn't be my defining trait.

The other night I asked Shane for his opinion on "my thing". He thought maybe it was always striving for success. That was a sweet husband answer, but if someone were to ask about me, no one is going to say "Oh Natalie, yea she is the one who is always striving for success." :) Maybe they would say "Oh Natalie, yea she is the one that writes that really random blog."

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Shane has been at the beach on "business" this week. I have not. I have been at home with c-section complications (ouch) and a baby with diarrhea. Awesome. Anyone know how to get baby poop out of antique linen. Don't ask.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

In an earlier post, I mentioned how I have a really hard time getting excited with food storage because I love to cook fresh. Except for baking and the occasional pasta, I don't cook from the pantry much. This week I thought I would try to use some of my pantry items while taking advantage of the summer bounty.

Grilled Chicken and Hummus Salad. When I waitresses at an Italian restaurant in college, I sometimes maned the salad station. Since then I have made it a little hobby to see how closely I can replicate salads I've ordered in restaurants. This one is based on a fantastic salad at Big River Grille. It is greens tossed with a champagne vinaigrette, topped with grilled chicken and a huge dollop of homemade hummus. Sprinkled with Roma tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Served with warm pita bread. The only thing I didn't have for this was goat cheese.

Fourth of July Salad. I like something at BBQs other than just meat and chips. Though I really like the meat and chips. Any occasion when it is okay to eat a hamburger and a hot dog in one meal is okay by me.

Food Storage used - potato pearls. - These are great because they are so creamy, you can pipe them onto the plate. I just used a sandwich bag and snipped the end.

Couscous with grilled vegetables. Grilled zucchini and yellow squash, rotisserie chicken, scallions & fresh basil, all tossed with a lemon vinaigrette. Feta and pinenuts would be great in this.

Food Storage used: lemon juice (I use fresh, but you can store it), olive oil, Dijon Mustard, Couscous. I love couscous. Stays forever in your pantry, cooks in 5 minutes. I use it with my weekly rotisserie chicken and whatever veggies are in the fridge. In the summer we grill every weekend and I always have Shane grill extra veggies to use during the week. Great to put over noddles or rice.

Fresh peaches served with Greek yogurt and drizzled with honey. Would be great with toasted pecans.

Food storage used - Honey.

So there you go. My attempt for the week. I am still trying to get pumped about food storage, but I just think it is going to be baby steps for me. Now if only someone would come show me what to do with all this wheat I just bought....

Monday, June 22, 2009

Since Collin arrived, I have managed to continue posting on a relatively regular basis. Reading blogs has been another story. I really want to keep up on all the blogs I read, but my goggle reader always indicates that I have over 1,000 posts to get to. I have noticed, however, that there are several blogs that I always read as soon as they are posted to. These blogs include all of my family and close friends of course, but several of these blogs are just totally for enjoyment sake. I thought it would be fun to let you know my favorite reads. So without further ado.... the natalie's sentiments favorite blog awards......

The Best "I don't know you from Eve, but I blog stalk you anyway" award goes to Natalie of 100 Percent Cottam.I start with this award, because even though Natalie doesn't know it, she really inspired my blog. When I was first entering the blogosphere I was totally overwhelmed. Should I have a simple family photos only blog (which I do have now, here). Should I have a blog where I vent, or discuss important topics? Well, around this time a friend mentioned that I might like one of Natalie's posts and after seeing her blog I knew exactly what type of blog I wanted. One that included anything and everything that I was interested in. Clothes, kids, food, mother-in-law issues...whatever. I realized I could just post for me, and if anyone else wanted to read it, they were welcome to. Natalie also inspired my "Currently" sidebar. When I first saw her blog she had a link on her sidebar that said "Currently Watching Lost" and I thought to myself, how cool would it be to have an entire sidebar of "currently" mini posts. So I did it, and it is cool :)

The Best Home Design Blog goes to Just a Girl. Always redoing her own house, she inspires me to try simple methods to make my house more lovely.

The Best Cooking Blog. I awarded this to two blogs. First to La Tartine Gourmande for the most gorgeous culinary creations. Every once in a while I really want to experiment in the kitchen, and this is where I head for inspiration. Second is Saltbox House Cooking Exchange. Reading this blog is like a mini food course, and everything they make is great for feeding a family. I make almost every recipe they post.

Best Giveaways. Grosgrain. I think everyone knows about this blog by now. Kathleen creates the most sublime clothes, frames them in breathtaking shots, and then gives them away. Currently, I want to win this contest for Lydia.

Best Inspiriaton blog. oh, hello friend. Written by a graphic aritst, this blog is full of craft ideas and design tips. It is also just about the most beautifully designed layout as I have ever seen.

Best "Brighten My Day" Blog goes to pretty good. Every day Mary posts a cheery photo from her life. No matter what, I visit this blog daily. It never fails to make me smile.

Best "Just for Fun" Blog. snippet and ink: daily wedding inspiration. Maybe it is just that I like weddings, or maybe it is because I really do believe in true love, but there is something about seeing how people celebrate their special day that tends to make mine.

Best Mommy Blog. Classy Chaos. I first put this blog in my reader when I saw that the author, "OHmommy", called herself a Stiletto Ho. I thought to myself, she and I could probably be friends. Make sure to check her out. Her commentary on motherhood is priceless.

Best Overall Style. a room somewhere. Everything Leslie posts is lovely. Her style is impeccable. Whether is is a fabulous couch or a delicate necklace, I am always smitten. Again, she and I should be friends.

So there you are. My favorite blogs. For the winners, feel free to add this award button to your sidebar if you like. Thank you for all the reading bliss.

So I've told you my favorite blogs, now I want to hear yours. I don't have a lot of time to "blog stalk" and I know I am missing out on a ton of great blogs out there. (I have discovered that if Lydia is napping, I can read blogs while nursing!)I have put together a box full of my favorite things. I want the prizes to be a surprise to the winner so I won't post a photo of the contents. I will say that the winner will be receiving my favorite....magazine, drink, movie, candle, stationary, craft supplies, spa treatment, holiday decor, of course some of my handcrafted jewelry...and many more lovelies. I don't think I have ever had so much fun shopping. Buying someone else all of my favorite things. What a nice way to spend the afternoon.

Want to win? There are four chances to enter....

Just comment on this post telling me one of your favorite blogs and leaving a link. It could be your favorite cooking blog or your cousin Jenny's family blog. I don't care what it is, as long as you love to read it. Make sure to let the writer of that blog know that you posted about them!

For an additional entry, let me know in a separate comment that you are a natalie's sentiments follower/subscriber/google reader.

Let me know in a separate comment that you have blogged/tweeted/facebooked about this giveaway.

Let me know in a separate comment that you have added my new sidebar button to your sidebar. You can grab it over in my left hand sidebar.

That's it. I will announce the randomly selected winner on June 29th. Good luck.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Last week, Shane and Lydia spent much of the evening making paper airplanes. Shane told Lydia the story of Amelia Earhart. The next morning Lydia told me the story herself.

"Mommy, Amelia Earhart wanted to fly her airplane all the way around the world, but she crashed into the ocean."

"Oh, that is too bad"

"It's okay, her Daddy came and saved her."

*********

Sometimes I worry that Lydia will never find a man who lives up to the standard set by her Daddy. Of course, my Dad set just as high a standard, and that is probably why I ended up with someone like Shane.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Survival mode. This is how Shane and I defined our life during the first year of Lydia’s life. The only goal we really had in life was to fulfill the basic life functions. Eat, have a moderately clean (at least livable) home, and try to survive on basically no sleep.

We decided yesterday we have returned to survival mode. Collin (so far) is vastly easier that Lydia was as a baby. However, this time there are two of them.

I find it funny how much has changed. Just a few months ago, Shane and I were “negotiating” our free time activities. I would reserve Tuesday night to go out with friends. Shane took Saturday morning for a long run. Now…free time? What’s that? Last night we were negotiating time just to get our “chores” done. Shane wanted to mow the lawn, but I desperately wanted to review bills and take a shower. (A real shower that includes shaving my legs and washing my hair.) We had to take turns eating dinner while the other held a fussy baby. Of course, the person eating was also trying to keep Lydia from dumping her milk on the floor.

We are exhausted. Yesterday I literally ran into the wall I was so tired. Shane and I tried to have a real conversation last night, but we both keep falling asleep. It was only 9:45pm.

At the same time, this newborn phase is so infinitely better than with Lydia. There isn’t a screaming newborn always in our arms. Collin cries of course, but in comparison to what we are used to, it hardly fazes us.To take the time to write this blog I am using the few minutes when both children’s naps overlap. I have not brushed my teeth and I have not changed out of my pjs. My eyes are still swollen from crying after a sudden onslaught of the "baby blues". I had cold brown rice for lunch with a handful of chocolate chips for dessert. I need a haircut and highlights so badly that I am contemplating taking kitchen shears and lemon juice to my hair. (I will stifle that urge.) My outing for the day was an exciting walk to the mailbox.

This is a strange time in life. To be so miserable and tired and yet experiencing such sweetness from my children. To be missing the outside world desperately and at the same time finding that all that is truly precious to me exists in my own home. This morning I was lying next to Collin right after he had drifted off to sleep after nursing. My camera was on my nightstand and I was able to catch him laughing in his sleep. I have to remember that it is these kinds of memories that will last. At least I hope so.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

I tend to plan ahead. At least in regards to certain things. Things that are fun. I buy and wrap birthday presents weeks in advance. I bought Collin's Halloween costume before he was born. I am already thinking about the menu for a couples only Christmas soiree this year. Thus it will be no surprise that I picked out who would design my baby announcements before I had even announced I was pregnant. I couldn't help it. When I saw freshly squeezed designs it was love. (Don't feel bad if you didn't receive one. I mainly sent them to friends and family that don't read my blog. I tend to forget to update that group of people.)

I wanted Collin's announcements to be modern and unique, simple and clean. I couldn't explain freshly squeezed designs any better. They have such a delicious style. From their logos to their Christmas cards - every design is completely unique yet gorgeous. After contacting them (as soon as I found out the baby's sex) they designed me several designs to choose from. Shane and I chose this one:

But these were close in the running...

Now I am already thinking about them designing an invite for Collin's first birthday party. I am thinking something like this one:

Monday, June 15, 2009

Last night I was up during a three AM feeding and I started compiling a little fantasy wish list. What does a new mommy dream about? Well for me.....

1. A grocery store, a post office and a smoothie/bagel deli.....all within 5 minutes from my house and all equipped with drive-thru service.

2. A professional seamstress to come to my house and make me a couple pairs of light and flattering capris that fit this awkward post baby body. Of course she would never let me know my actual size.

3. After taking a long bubble bath, I would give my hair a blowout and put on a fresh pair of pjs straight out of the dryer. A nurse who makes house calls would take care of Collin for the night, feeding him my pumped breast milk as I sleep for 8 hours straight. Even 5 hours would be heaven. Shane and I enjoy breakfast in bed the next morning.

4. An airline would announce that they are now providing a very inexpensive direct flight from Chattanooga to Spokane so that I could spend September with my parents.

5. Someone would invent a "memory keeper" and I could save the feeling of having my perfect and innocent newborn son sleeping against my chest. I would save his sweet warm baby smell, the feel of his soft skin against my cheek and forever capture his quiet coos. I would have these memories to play back 17 years later when we are auguring about him wanting to head down to Florida for spring break with some friends. Oh, and by the way Collin, the answer will be no.

Winner!

The randomly chosen winner of the Redbuds Design Giveaway is..... pink~leopard~print. Congrats! Send me your email and I will put you in touch with Redbuds. I can't wait to see your button. From the looks of your blog, it is going to be pink :)

Friday, June 12, 2009

Today Collin woke me up at 7:00 AM and I had the strangest sensation. I was....rested. It was a completely bizarre and unexpected experience, especially since last night I was up with Collin at least every couple hours, just like usual. Well, who I am to question a good thing. I'll take it! It is only 2 pm and already I have done some produce shopping, had an alfresco lunch with a girlfriend and even stopped into the new European bakery for a warm baguette for dinner. Collin slept the entire trip and Lydia was very well behaved. She has been really great lately. She is taking the big sister job very seriously.

Now both of my children are sleeping...at the same time! (Never happens during the day.) I don't even feel the need to nap. Instead I have a load of laundry in, am writing a quick blog while sipping on soda and munching on Almond M&Ms. (Since they are half nuts, I consider them halfway health food.) I have fresh haricot verts for dinner (my favorite) along with steak to grill. Strawberries, raspberries and plums for dessert. Lydia has a play date scheduled with the next door neighbor boy this afternoon. It could not be more gorgeous outside. I will probably crash after dinner, but it is Shane's night to put Lydia to bed (let's be honest, every night is Shane's night since Collin was born) and Amélie came in the mail yesterday. Add some popcorn and it sounds like a perfect way to spend the evening.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

While my mom was here she spent most of her time entertaining Lydia. Lydia especially liked riding horsey on my mom's lap. They would ride slowly like the "Old Indian Chief", fast like the cowboy...but her favorite was to ride like "the proper lady". She rides side saddle of course. Lydia started asking endless questions about what proper ladies do. "Grandma, how does a proper lady brush her teeth?"...."How does a proper lady make the bed?"

I thought it would be a fun ending to the visit to have a "Proper Lady Tea Party". It was a little last minute, so I didn't have a chance to go to the store, so I worked with what I had. After a three week hiatus, it was nice to get back into the kitchen again. I made some chocolate chip "biscuits", pulled out the nice china, and even let Lydia wear my pearl necklace. Lydia thought the floral napkins were "so wonderful".

A Perfectly Proper Little Lady

Lydia loved her "Apple Juice" Tea. I would have taught her to hold her pinkie up, but again, we were using my nice china.

You can see Collin, banished in the background. No boys allowed.

Thank Mom for the lovely visit. I needed you more that you could ever know.

Winner!

The randomly chosen winner of the Sew Cute Shop Giveaway is... TJ and Amy. Congrats! Email me and I will get you your prize. Don't forget to enter my Redbuds Designs Giveaway, and check back next week for another great giveaway. I guess I am just in a giving mood lately!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

I am so excited to announce my new blog "view behind the picket fence". It is a blog showcasing photos of the fun and random adventures of my little family. I wanted a place where I could upload a dozen photos of Collin's attempts at crawling or eating spaghetti, or whatever, without wondering if I was overdoing it. Since it is going to be mainly photos, it will be perfect for printing into a family album. If you have a chance, head over and check it out.

The best part about the blog is that it was designed by Redbud Designs. A while back I was blog stalking and I came upon the most beautiful blog header I had ever seen. I traced it back to Sharon at Redbud designs and spent over an hour gawking over her amazing designs. Ever since then I knew I had to have a blog designed by her.

I contacted her a month ago, explaining a little bit of what I wanted. (She has a bit of a waiting list, so you have to get in touch early) She asked me a few questions and before I knew it, I had exactly what I had envisioned...only so much better.

Not only did she design me a new blog, but a sidebar button for natalie's sentiments! The sidebar button is the most basic blog accessory and my old one was just not up to par. Check it out at the end if this post and in my left hand sidebar. I know you want to add it to your blog :)

Sharon from Redbud Designs has graciously offered to design one of you a sidebar button for you blog! It could be one for your personal blog (like mine) or one for your creative blog, or maybe a button for your etsy store. It is a great way to get more readers and just to dress things up a bit.

Want to win?

There are 4 ways to enter:

Head over to Redbud Designs and check out some of the incredible designs there. You can find blog designs here and print designs here. Mention in a comment on this post one of your favorite designs.

Let me know in a separate comment that you are a natalie's sentiments follower/subscriber/google reader.

Let me know in a separate comment that you have blogged/tweeted/facebooked about this giveaway.

Let me know in a separate comment that you have added my new sidebar button to your sidebar. You can grab it at the end of this post.

I will announce the winner on Monday, June 15th. Good luck!

Oh and before I forget....Redbud Designs is hosting a full blog makeover giveaway here as well!

Friday, June 5, 2009

My family members have been requesting a video so they can see Collin "in action". He is two weeks old. Not a lot going on yet. But, if you are interested, here is one minute of Collin. You do get some pretty great cuteness in the first 20 seconds.

Did I mention that I am completely and utterly in love with this little boy?

I took this one mainly because he looked so cute in his little outfit. It also caught his first spit up. Something to cherish :)

Collin is officially two weeks old. We even had a cake to celebrate. More so, my mom made a cake and I decided that since it is Collin's two week birthday, I would eat a huge amount so that it would condense in my breast milk. Wasn't that sweet of me?

Collin sleeps well and hardly ever cries. I know this could change at any moment, so I am enjoying it while I can. I am, of course, exhausted with the night feedings, which seem to take about 45 minutes each, but while my mom is here, naps are still a possibility.

The reason things are going so well is entirely due to my mom's visit. In fact I'm totally terrified for her to leave in a few days. For the last two weeks, my mom has completely taken over Lydia's care. Lydia wakes up at 7:30 am, but I don't hear her. I'm in my room taking advantage of Collin's "long" sleeping period from 6-9am. That's right, I have been sleeping a full three hours in a row for the last couple weeks. That will quickly be ending.

What am I going to do when fresh towels stop appearing in my linen closet? Who is going to make dinner while I lay in bed, willing the pain pills to take effect? Who is going to push Lydia on the swing while I attend to a complete diaper blowout? Who is going to take Lydia to the park while I cuddle with my baby after nursing? Who is going to stay up late with me to play cards and watch AFV?

I am seriously freaking out. I have be able to enjoy my baby so much since he was born. I have been able to rest. My c-section incision is still incredibly painful, but I haven't had to move around too much. I realize that the hard part is just about to start. How am I going to do it all?

As a side note -ever wanted to know what a new mom really needs? Check this out. It is right on the money.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I have a certain passion for purses. I don't know what it is about them, maybe that they always fit. My latest search has been for a new baby bag. Not necessarily a diaper bag, but a fun summer bag that will hold my baby necessities and have a baby boy feel. (Without resorting to pieces portraying cartoon characters or sports equipment.) My search ended when I found this Amy Butler Frenchy Shoulder Bag at Sew Cute Shop. The color combo is perfect for taking to a summer bbq or to the beach, and it is just big enough for...well my whole baby!* It even has those necessary middle pockets to keep me nice and organized.

Sew Cute Shop almost exclusively uses Amy Butler fabric (and you know we are all jonesing for that right now) for everything from aprons to camera straps to sun hats.

Want to to sport some new summer wares from Sew Cute Shop? The shop's owner, Brandy, is offering one reader a $25 gift certificate to her store!

To enter: Go to Sew Cute Shop and look around at all the goodies. Come back here and leave a comment mentioning your favorite item in the store.

For a second entry, mention in a separate comment that you are a natalie's sentiments follower/subscriber/goggle reader.

For a third entry, mention in a separate comment that you blogged/twittered/facebooked about this giveaway.

In addition, Brandy is offering all natalie's sentiments readers a free camera strap with any $50 purchase or 10% off your total order. You can feel good about buying from this store as all proceeds go to benefit The Joseph Riley Greene Fund. I will announce the winner on June 11th. Good Luck!

*Please do not use the Amy Butler Frenchy Shoulder Bag to carry your infant :)

let's be friends

Hi! I'm Natalie

Hey there! Welcome to my yellow blog. A place where I try to keep the gray days away by looking to some of the sunny things of life. How amazing motherhood is (except on the days it almost kills me), loving every moment of having a baby (except anytime between midnight to 6 am) the joys of domesticity (and sometimes paying someone else to do it). A place to find many lovelies to cheer and inspire. (And indulge my particular obsession with jewelry, photography and the color yellow.) Welcome and please feel free to stay awhile.